Restaurant Review: Boston’s Fish House

Boston’s Fish House

Boston’s has been around since 1988. Boston’s specializes in fresh seafood that’s flown in daily from the northeast and cooked New England style. At one time, it was located on Aloma Avenue in the small building, an old house I think, where Cheddar Jack’s now resides. At lunchtime the line to get in was so long that it wrapped around the parking lot and down the sidewalk.

Today, Boston’s has two locations: one on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park (not too far from the original site), and the other in Sanford. Still, the lines to get in can be long. Sometimes, they’re so busy that they give scheduled pick up times for takeout. I’ve only eaten at the Boston’s on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park, and I’m embarrassed to say, more times than I should state publicly.

The restaurant is casual and cozy. Inside, the decor contributes to the restaurant’s persona—that of a picturesque New England wharf. Nautical artifacts adorn the restaurant both inside and out. A full size Poseidon greets guests as they approach the restaurant along with a board announcing the many specials of the day. Inside are a number of rather tall New England fishermen dressed for the perfect storm (replicas of course), a wooden pelican, and photos of past Boston Marathons. Seaside paintings, anchors, ropework, and a ship’s wheel adorn the walls.

My husband and I go back and forth with Boston’s. We get on a kick where we eat in the restaurant for long periods of time followed by equally long periods of picking up takeout. We live nearby, so the food is always hot and fresh. And, while the menu has a lot to offer, we tend to stick with our favorites. I usually start with the lobster bisque ($5.75 a cup; $8 a bowl)—a savory bisque with bits of lobster in a sherry cream stock; He, the New England Clam Chowder ($4.75 a cup; $6.75 a bowl)—fresh clams, potatoes, and bacon in a white cream bisque. Last Sunday, we topped off the chowders with a side of steamers ($9.95); Quahogs like those found in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

By now we were both full, yet we anxiously waited for our entrées. We both ordered the Boston’s Seafood Combo Platter ($21.95), a dish that can be broiled or fried. (Naturally, we ordered it fried.) The “combo” consists of perfectly battered and fried (not greasy), codfish, plump sea scallops, shrimp, onion rings, and your choice of either oysters or clams (whole belly or strips). Plus, it comes with two sides that are just as tasty. A smaller version of the platter is available for $17.95. Because it’s Florida strawberry season, and strawberry shortcake was on the menu, and because I have no self-control, I asked for a take out box when my food was served so I could take it home and eat the shortcake in realtime. I didn’t eat it all, well not at that time, but I did later. Key lime pie and Boston Cream Cake were also available.

Service is personal and prompt. When you enter Boston’s, you order and then pay before you’re seated. A number of servers fawn over you before, during, and after your meal, which is served fairly quick. Appetizers include steamers, calamari, chowders, bisque, shrimp, mushrooms, and zucchini sticks and range from $4.75 – $9.95; Salads, including shrimp and lobster, range from $3.00 – $11.50; and, Dinner entrées from $10.95 – $22.95. The Fish House is also open for lunch, but closes daily from 3:25 – 4:00 p.m. to prepare for the dinner service.

If you’re in the neighborhood, Boston’s is a must try, especially for seafood fans. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I never am.